Los Angeles, CA
Just like the title of the thread: what’s the oldest machine that you truly enjoy? Not so much for the historical value (which is valid) but since you think it’s a great game.
(Topic ID: 329783)
Oldest game I've owned is from 1974, but anything from the Gottlieb wedgehead era on works for me. Before that it's more of a novelty.
Really enjoyed Kismet when it was at Lyons Classic Pinball. Really fun and challenging for a 1961 stubby flipper game. It was designed by Steve Kordek, who deeply understood how pinball is supposed to work.
I also like Gottlieb Seven Seas from 1960. A very snappy, fast-playing woodrail with a good layout and artwork (but watch out for the gobble holes!).
Quoted from Aurich:Oldest game I've owned is from 1974, but anything from the Gottlieb wedgehead era on works for me. Before that it's more of a novelty.
Yes, I am a big fan of most of the Gottlieb wedgeheads. Atlantis is probably my favorite.
Quoted from Trond:Just like the title of the thread: what’s the oldest machine that you truly enjoy? Not so much for the historical value (which is valid) but since you think it’s a great game.
So far, Queen of Hearts
1963 Cross Country
Usually when I play older games, they keep me entertained for a game or two, I appreciate them for what they are, and then I move on. However, I played it at a show last year, and kept coming back to it.
As far as non-pinball goes, probably 1955 Williams Safari rifle game. There's is/was one at the Silverball Museum in NJ.
And of course, skeeball is timeless. I had a chance to play some EM skeeball machines, again at the Silverball Museum. I'm not sure of the specific year of those particular games, though.
Then there's also the 1960s domed basketball games by crown and taito. Those can be a really fun 2-player game.
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Quoted from ForceFlow:1963 Cross Country
I shouldn't have sold mine. Had two of them for a short period in time.
Anyone remember Bill Davis? He cleared one of the PF's
Quoted from jrpinball:1950 Gottlieb "Joker". Love that backglass!
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Very Nice.
Looks like the artist was going for the "Marilyn Monroe" look there. She was on the rise at that time too.
Quoted from marksf123:1933 Rockola Jig-Saw[quoted image][quoted image]
Awesome machine!
Rockola made 1934 World Series in that similar style too. Another fantastic game, esp for it's time.
Screenshot_20230121_172820_Google (resized).jpgFor me, any of those oddball woodrails—as long as they have flippers. None in particular, but just in general.
They really took some fun design risks in the 50s on some woodrails, and I find them all such a pleasure to play.
On the whole, I find them way more entertaining than most 60s/70s EMs.
1938 Stoner Chubbie. We have one at a location I work at and it's a lot of fun for a flipperless game.
Here's a picture of it when I brought it home to work on it. You have to hit the 15 bumpers to unlight them. Once all are unlit they all relight and every bumper hit scores 2 points that are indicated by the center of the backglass. Hit the lit green #7 bumper to release an extra ball.
Quoted from DOOOMTRAIN:Chicago Express. It’s definitely got some of the novelty factor being the first pin with a ramp, but beyond that it’s very satisfying to hit that ramp.
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Wow, cool. All those metal pieces are nice. Is it aluminum, steel?
1978 Stern Stars. I started in the DMD days and T2 was the pin I played the most growing up, so this is a bit older to me.
Quoted from undrdog:1964 Wms Heat Wave. I have older machines, but this is the one I’m most I’m love with.
I’m dying to play this one, if for nothing more than it’s appearance in The Thing.
Quoted from EJS:For me GTB Knock Out from 1950. This one I won't sell.
Darn it! I want it!!!!!
Quoted from EJS:I shouldn't have sold mine. Had two of them for a short period in time.
Anyone remember Bill Davis? He cleared one of the PF's
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Sure do! That guy cleared a NOS Paragon playfield for me back in the day, looked amazing of course!
Quoted from TigerLaw:Target Alpha. Awesome game.
Target alpha is one of the most underrated games in all of pinball.
Fleet Jr is from 1934 and is really cool and fun. I hope to buy one this year.
I just sold my Dodge City to a friend after owning a few years. Its from 1965 and I challenge you to find a better head-to-head game. The rules were made progressive and each player picks up the scoring where the previous player left off. You can steal points and extra balls. I don't like playing multiplayer games on newer machines because they take too long. On Dodge City, a 4-player game goes quick and is exciting.
Teacher's Pet from 1965 is a great one player game. I play it as much as any game in my game room. I played it earlier today in fact and haven't played any of my other games.
eet_Jr (resized).jpgQuoted from ASAC_Schrader:Funhouse. I’m a 90’s or newer guy
And 34 years prior came the 1st.
This one has 3 Trap Doors. The Trap Doors make the game.
Not the oldest machine, but it's the oldest pinball that's set up,
and it's a good player..
IMG_0665 (resized).JPGQuoted from ASAC_Schrader:Funhouse. I’m a 90’s or newer guy
You are missing so many great games....
For me it's 1976 Volley, hands down. I love drop target games. Joker Poker, Cleopatra, Count-Down, et al. But the oldest one that I love the most has got to be Volley.
Quoted from SantaEatsCheese:Paragon
One of the best games ever made. I just had mine restored. New playfield, backglass, plastics, posts, rubbers, etc. If this is how the game played brand new, holy cow.
Quoted from ASAC_Schrader:Funhouse. I’m a 90’s or newer guy
Plus one for Funhouse.
Quoted from jackd104:Wow, cool. All those metal pieces are nice. Is it aluminum, steel?
I’m not sure, actually. I don’t own it; I just played it at the Paris Pinball Museum.
Quoted from AlexF:Not my oldest game but my oldest pinball is Frontiersman (1955). I got it from O-din 2.5 years ago. He said it was a great game and he wasn't wrong. I don't play all my pins every week but I always put a few games on this one. It's still fun every time.
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You gotta know I want that! 
I'm just across the lake when you are ready.
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